Made in Dundee: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Discover Dundee with the Made in Dundee Self-Guided Audio Tour for just $7.99 per person. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, this tour offers an affordable way to uncover the city’s stories beyond the usual sights. It begins at the Desperate Dan Statue on High Street and ends at the Lemmings Statues on Perth Road, taking you through key landmarks and hidden corners at your own pace.

Designed as a self-guided experience, this tour works through the VoiceMap app with offline access, maps, and geodata. It is suitable for most travelers who want flexibility and independence during their exploration. However, some users note that the app has bugs, which can affect the smoothness of the experience. Still, this tour offers an engaging way to learn about Dundee’s unique heritage, especially for those who enjoy a bit of DIY adventure.

Key Points

• Affordable at $7.99 with lifetime access and offline capabilities
• Self-guided tour allowing exploration at your own pace
• Includes 8 stops, from famous statues to cultural highlights
• Focuses on Dundee’s local stories and hidden gems
• Requires a smartphone; no transportation or food included
• Tour duration is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, perfect for a leisurely walk

Starting Point: Desperate Dan Statue on High Street

The tour kicks off at the Desperate Dan Statue, a well-known Dundee landmark paying homage to the comic character, star of The Dandy. This spot is a lively part of the city center, making it an easy starting point. From here, the tour guides you beyond typical tourist paths, hinting at Dundee’s deep connection with D.C. Thomson, Scotland’s major publisher responsible for 200 million magazines and newspapers annually.

Travelers can take their time here, appreciating the playful statue while getting a glimpse into Dundee’s publishing legacy. The starting location is near public transportation, making it convenient for visitors arriving by bus or train.

Exploring the McManus Museum and Art Gallery

A short walk from the starting point leads to the McManus Museum, which offers insight into Dundee’s history and art. The museum is free to visit and presents displays that cover the city’s past along with art exhibitions. The tour encourages visitors to spend a few moments here, appreciating the local heritage in a space that combines both educational and artistic experiences.

This stop is ideal for those with an interest in cultural institutions, and the museum’s central location makes it an accessible point of interest during your exploration.

Discovering the Water Carving and Poetry Panel

The tour features four striking carvings in fountains, each representing an element: earth, fire, air, water. Notably, the water carving includes a quote from ‘Lunan Bay’ by Mary Brooksbank, adding a poetic touch to the visual experience. These carvings serve as artistic expressions of Dundee’s natural elements, complemented by local literature, and offer perfect photo opportunities.

The inclusion of poetry makes this stop more than just a visual experience—it’s a moment to reflect on Dundee’s cultural landscape through local voices.

Learning about James Caird and Dundee Philanthropy

Next, travelers learn about James Caird, whose legacy is linked to Caird Hall and local philanthropy. When he passed away, Caird left his fortune to his sister, who funded projects like the furnishing of Caird Hall. This gives an insight into Dundee’s civic development and the importance of philanthropy in shaping the city’s public spaces.

This stop reveals a more intimate aspect of Dundee’s history, illustrating how individual generosity has contributed to the city’s cultural scene.

Slessor Gardens and Mary Slessor’s Impact

The journey takes you to Slessor Gardens, named after Mary Slessor, a pioneering figure in Dundee. She made history as the first woman on a Scottish banknote and became the first female magistrate in the British Empire. The gardens serve as a tribute to her groundbreaking achievements, and a statue commemorates her legacy.

This stop highlights Dundee’s progressive history and the influence of notable local women, offering visitors an inspiring story woven into the city’s landscape.

The Lemmings and DMA Design Statues

The tour concludes with a playful nod to Dundee’s modern pop culture—statues of Lemmings, the characters from the famous 1991 video game by DMA Design. With over 15 million copies sold, these statues reflect Dundee’s role in the gaming industry. Located on Perth Road, the statues are a fun, culturally significant end to the tour.

This final stop connects Dundee’s past with its vibrant contemporary scene, especially in digital entertainment.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The Made in Dundee tour offers lifetime access via the VoiceMap app, which allows you to download the content for offline use. The tour starts at Desperate Dan Statue and ends at the Lemmings Statues, with most travelers able to participate. It’s near public transportation, making it easy to include in a day’s itinerary.

Note that you need a smartphone to access the tour, while transportation and food/drink are not included. The tour is designed for small groups, capping at 10 travelers, ensuring a relaxed pace.

Troubleshooting and User Feedback

While the tour offers a flexible, self-paced format, some users report app bugs that can cause the audio to jump ahead or stop when taking photos. One review suggests that listening in continuous playback mode might lead to the app’s audio being ahead of the user’s location, which can disrupt the experience.

The tour provider is working on fixing these issues, so potential participants should be aware that some technical hiccups could occur, impacting the smoothness of the journey.

Is the Made in Dundee Tour Worth It?

For $7.99, this self-guided tour presents a cost-effective way to learn about Dundee’s landmarks, history, and culture at your own pace. Its highlights—the Desperate Dan statue, McManus Museum, and Lemmings statues—offer a well-rounded overview of the city’s character.

However, the app’s bugs and the absence of a live guide mean it relies heavily on your device and patience. It suits visitors who prefer independent exploration and are comfortable navigating with a smartphone. The informative stops and local stories make it particularly appealing for those interested in Dundee’s heritage and modern pop culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour take?
Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, but you can pause and explore each stop at your own pace.

What is included in the tour package?
It provides lifetime access to the audio tour, downloadable via the VoiceMap app, with offline maps and geodata.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no specific physical demands beyond walking between stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the stops include iconic statues and cultural landmarks that may interest families.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, a smartphone is required to access the VoiceMap app and the tour content.

Are food and transportation included?
No, these are not included in the tour package.

What if the app has technical issues?
Some reviews highlight bugs that might cause audio to jump or stop. The provider is aware and working on fixes.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour operates Monday to Sunday, 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, and you can begin whenever it suits you.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the tour caps at 10 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at the Lemmings Statues on Perth Road.